CHANDIGARH: Amid reports that Delhi Metro ridership has substantially plummeted after the fare hike, the Centre has sought to dispel the impression that it pushed for the tariff increase while the Delhi government was against the move. The Ministry of Urban affairs has clarified that the metro’s fare structure was determined by a statutory body and that neither the Centre nor the state government had any role.
“It is neither the central government nor the state government which determine the fare structure of Delhi Metro. If that were to be the case, changes in fare would be determined by governments succumbing to the temptation of pleasing consumers,” a ministry official said.
He said it was precisely to guard against misguided actions that a Special Purpose Vehicle, DMRC, was created and a statutory body, Fare Fixation Committee under an Act of Parliament, was created for determining fares.
“This committee, headed by a retired judge of the Delhi High Court, with two other members—one each from the state and the central governments—had recommended the revised fares,” he added.
The ministry said there could be other reasons behind the 11 per cent dip in ridership in October.